Rotarians hear about Nathan Hale

September 12, 2012

The story of Nathan Hale, who selflessly served in the American Revolutionary War, was intended to motivate Rotarians to keep thinking of others.

Michael T. George, president and chief executive officer of PatriotHistory.org, conveyed Hale's story to Buckhannon Rotarians on Tuesday. He said 21-year old Hale became a spy, disguised as an unemployed teacher for his country and was captured and put to death in enemy territory.

"Rotary is about service over self and I thought, how appropriate is this story," George said.

Article Photos

The Inter-Mountain photos by Melissa ToothmanDr. Michael T. George presents a motivational story deeply rooted to the founding of the United States of America during Tuesday’s Buckhannon Rotary meeting.

According to George, Hale could have looked out for himself by surrendering

information to the enemy in exchange for his life, but he didn't. George said that Hale was denied many requests, including delivery of letters he'd written to his family after he was captured, but was asked if he had any last words.

Those last words were "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country," George said.

According to the Rotary program, PatriotHistory.org is an organization that George founded and George has been a motivational and inspirational speaker for more than 10 years, specializing in helping people become better leaders through

the re-telling of historical events that occurred during the founding of the United States of America.

According to the organization website, "Our mission is to inspire people to embrace the values and characteristics displayed through the lives of our Founders.

"Leaders aren't born, they are made; through hard work, determination and endurance."

George resides in Buckhannon with his wife, Amy, and 8-year old son, Levi. He

has a doctorate in Theology and Communications and is the director of software engineering for two companies based out-of-state, one in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the other in Lakeville, Minn.

"I'm just here to encourage you today, to inspire you to keep doing what you do ... you can change the world," George said.

Tuesday's Rotary meeting happened to be on the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States of America.